Successes, Supporters Celebrated at Annual HRI Benefit

Very special friends honored at Meadowlands event

 

By Lisa Kelly

It was an evening to celebrate this year’s substantial successes: the preservation of undeveloped wetlands in the Meadowlands; the establishment of the highest protection legally possible for major water bodies in our watershed; and outreach to more than 5,000 people through Hackensack Riverkeeper’s programs in 2003. The Fourth Annual Friends of the Hackensack River Awards Celebration and Benefit Auction held at the Meadowlands Environment Center in Lyndhurst on October 27 was also a time to give thanks to all supporters, volunteers and donors who helped make these successes happen.

The keynote speaker, Commissioner Susan Bass Levin of the NJ Division of Community Affairs, summed up, “I am here to thank everyone – from the Riverkeeper, to our elected officials, to everyone who has helped make the preservation of the Meadowlands into a reality.”

“Thousands of people from throughout our watershed and beyond played a part in getting us where we are today,” said Captain Bill Sheehan. “Without the support of countless individuals, public officials, community groups and other environmental organizations, the message would not have gotten out, the battles would not have been won, and the future would not be as bright as it is today. They stood with Hackensack Riverkeeper, signed the petitions, sent the faxes, wrote the letters, testified at meetings, and gave moral and financial support. Soon, together we will share the greatest victory of all—the creation of the Meadowlands Estuary Preserve.”

Each year, Hackensack Riverkeeper honors key individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to both the protection of the Hackensack River watershed and the mission of Hackensack Riverkeeper.  This year, Rep. Steve Rothman, Time Warner Cable Channel 10 News, Cathe and Jay Morrow and Steve Royka were honored.

In addition to the Riverkeeper awards, each honoree received a commendation from the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders, a copy of a NJ State Assembly resolution by Assembly members Loretta Weinberg and Gordon Johnson (D-37th) and a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Steve Rothman (D-NJ9th) recognizing their accomplishments. Freeholders Valerie Huttle, Bernadette McPherson and James Carroll also attended the event.

The catering team for the event included Whole Foods of Edgewater, Carlo Russo’s Wine and Spirit World of Fort Lee, and Parties with Panache of Rutherford. WOR Radio’s Joe Bartlett, “The Voice of the Meadowlands Wildlife Refuge,” presided over a live auction that featured a private flight over the Meadowlands, a chartered eco-cruise, a guided canoe tour, a ride in an authentic Model T Ford, and gourmet food and wine baskets. In addition, a silent auction ran throughout the evening, raising thousands of dollars to support the ongoing work of Hackensack Riverkeeper.

 

The following were recognized as the 2003 Friends of the Hackensack River:

 

Rep. Steve Rothman (D-NJ 9th) was honored for his longstanding and tireless efforts on behalf of Meadowlands conservation. As “Congressman of the Meadowlands,” Rep. Rothman has made the creation of the Meadowlands Estuary Preserve a high priority. “It’s not often that an environmental activist can say he has a Congressman in his corner,” said Captain Bill as he presented the Congressman with his award. “Steve Rothman is the best friend the Meadowlands could ever have.”

 

Time Warner Cable Channel 10 News. Jeff Shelley, producer (standing; right side) and Joann Santiglia, anchor (sitting; second from left) received kudos for years of in-depth coverage of watershed issues. The Palisades Park-based cable outlet “can always be depended upon to help tell the ongoing story of the Meadowlands,” said Riverkeeper Program Director Hugh Carola. “Their commitment to informing their viewers proves that all news is local news.”

 

Cathe & Jay Morrow of Rutherford have demonstrated a high level of moral and financial support for the work of Hackensack Riverkeeper year after year . “From designing and printing our brochures to helping cover the phones to endowing a scholarship, Cathe and Jay are highly committed benefactors of our organization,” said Riverkeeper Project Manager Jared Eudell, mentioning just a few of the many things the Morrows have done. “They are a great example of how individuals can make a tremendous difference.”

 

Steve Royka of Little Ferry received the 2003 Lisa G. Ryan Outstanding Volunteer Award. Steve is a fixture       at virtually all Hackensack Riverkeeper events and is “usually the first one to arrive and the last one to leave,” said Lisa Ryan, the long-time HRI supporter after whom this award is named. “Steve has an incredible level of commitment to do the work that is helping bring the river back and he proves this commitment by giving his time, energy and expertise.”

 

Special Thanks to Donors of Auction Items

 

Beverly Simko Callie Smith Campmor Carol Kennedy Cathe & Jay Morrow Danielle Donkersloot George Aronson Hackensack River Canoe and Kayak Club Hope A. Lang. Esq. Hugh Carola Innovation Luggage John Quinn

Julie Hajdusek Margaret Utzinger Mary Ellen Woods Medieval Times Peter and Nancy Wysocki Ramsey Outdoor Redd’s Restaurant River Barge Café Susan Gordon Wine & Spirit World YMCA of Greater Bergen County